Doug Robinson is the founder and president of Natura Resources, with extensive experience in the Permian Basin and gubernatorial appointments on energy in Texas.
In 2020, Natura Resources started a project to develop and deploy molten salt reactors, forming the Natura Resources Research Alliance with multiple universities.
Recently received a construction permit from the NRC for the first liquid-fueled, advanced research reactor in the U.S. in 40 years.
The project has supported the education of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students across four universities.
Privately funded with over 80 Texas-based investors, the project has achieved significant milestones independent of federal funding.
Opened a $25 million Science Engineering Research Center, the first advanced reactor facility outside a national lab in the U.S.
Formed a partnership with the Texas Produced Water Association for potential reactor deployment in the Permian to desalinate water and provide power.
Conducting studies on integrating molten salt reactors with refineries to improve efficiency.
Molten salt reactors use salt instead of water as a coolant, operate at high temperatures and low pressure, and have high burn efficiency with minimal waste.
These reactors can also produce valuable medical isotopes for cancer treatment and imaging.
Mark Stover introduced himself as the Executive Director of the Texas Solar Power Association (TSPA) and discussed the growth of solar power and energy storage resources.
Battery storage is the second fastest-growing technology on the ERCOT grid. There are currently 9,000 MW installed, with an anticipated increase of 11,000 MW by 2025.
Battery storage is highlighted as a quick-response and flexible technology, efficient in shifting grid conditions and addressing congestion issues.
Early energy storage mainly featured 1-hour duration technologies, but now there are projects with durations up to four hours and potential for multi-day durations with new technologies.
Various battery chemistries, including iron-air batteries, are expected to emerge, alongside existing lithium-ion batteries.
A technology-neutral policy approach is advocated to let competition foster innovation, ultimately benefiting Texas consumers.
Advanced nuclear technologies are anticipated for the 2030s and beyond, with NRC working on reducing permitting timeframes.
There are regulatory challenges with deploying nuclear technology but improvements in licensing process are underway.
Geothermal energy potential in Texas is promising due to existing oil and gas infrastructure and fast permitting processes.
Geothermal technology is relatively simple and expected to reach substantial capacity by 2030.
The timeline for extended life battery technologies is within the next five years, with an expected reduction in costs and improvements in efficiencies.
Economics of geothermal energy are improving, with a goal to be competitive in the ERCOT wholesale market.
Faster interconnections to the grid and supportive state and federal policies are needed for technological deployments.
Universities in Texas are playing a significant role in research and development in geothermal and nuclear energy.
Mark Bell represented AECT, highlighting the growth in electric demand due to new large electric consumers wanting to connect to the Texas grid.
Legislation in 2021 and 2023 revised how electric growth is evaluated, aligning with industry observations of increased interconnection requests.
Utilities report hundreds of interconnection requests across various sectors, many exceeding 1 GW of load.
Texas, with its business-friendly environment and competitive electricity market, attracts data centers, semiconductors, and industrial projects.
ERCOT's innovative approach reduces interconnection wait times compared to other ISOs, making Texas appealing for data centers and large consumers.
The state has competitive electricity rates, with data showing Texas having the 6th best industrial rates in the U.S., and the lowest among large states.
Coordination and collaboration are emphasized to integrate growth reliably and affordably into the electric system.
Data centers require robust transmission capacity and offer long-term power purchase agreements, supporting other industries.
Growth is also seen in hydrogen, LNG, industrial sectors, and oil and gas electrification.
Current load growth projections signal necessary investments in transmission and generation, with the industry committed to powering Texas' economic engine.
Discussion on the predicted demand increase for data centers in Texas over the next six years, with a focus on whether the demand will reach the projected 30 gigawatts.
Haynes Strader notes global demand is high but emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good credit customers and startups.
Reference to McKinsey's updated study showing U.S. data center load could increase from 25 to 85 gigawatts nationwide, implicating significant growth potential for Texas.
Data centers related to Skybox are operational 24/7 and have Triple-A credit industries, mainly participating in emergency demand response programs.
Mention of diesel generators being used during emergencies, such as during URI, due to their reliability over natural gas.
Discussion on regulatory challenges with TCEQ regarding air permits for generators used during emergency demand response.
Ongoing dialogues between data center industries, TCEQ, and ERCOT to address scaling demand response practices and regulations.
Discussion on the uniformity and validity of forecasting methodologies among TDU companies like Oncor, AEP, and CenterPoint, acknowledging that while processes are similar, they are not identical.
Emphasis on substantial growth in interconnection requests and the need to streamline processes, with several companies keen to interconnect.
Lack of 765 high voltage lines in Texas, with discussions around the benefits and expediency of building infrastructure to support growth, especially in the Permian region.
Cost concerns and addressing potential single points of failure and new technology risks with 765 kV lines, noting their long-term benefits and established technology.
Shift in overall ownership cost projections, recognizing that initial investments in 765 kV lines are high, but cost-efficient in the long term.
Potential resiliency benefits of a more robust high-voltage network, particularly against extreme weather events, emphasizing the reduction of power loss and congestion.
Interest toward understanding and quantifying the benefits and costs of migrating to a 765 kV system to inform investment decisions.
Discussion on the spread of transmission costs using the 'postage stamp' methodology, with considerations of fairness across different user demographics like senior citizens versus high-consumption industries.
Concerns raised about communication and unexpected future energy demands, urging proactive sharing of information to stay ahead of infrastructure needs.
Advocacy for early planning and collaboration to manage substantial forecasted growth, highlighting the enabling role of TDUs and industry.
Challenges with initial requests from TDU customers and proposed solutions including nominal financial requirements.
Concerns over long-term energy usage forecasts, ensuring that incoming data centers and industrial growth are met with adequate and timely infrastructure.
